mineral

Agate (Polished Sphere)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Multi-colored bands or plumes in shades of lavender, orange, and grey; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Cryptocrystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.64

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified May 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in volcanic and metamorphic rocks through the deposition of silica from groundwater into cavities or veins. This specimen shows characteristics of plume or moss agate formations within a chalcedony matrix.

Uses & applications

Aesthetic decoration, crystal healing collections, and jewelry making. Specifically shaped as a sphere for meditation or display.

Geological facts

Agate was named by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher, who discovered the stone along the shore line of the Achates river (now known as the Dirillo) in Sicily. It is a variety of chalcedony.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its translucent properties and lack of cleavage. Agates are common in Brazil, Uruguay, and across the United States. In spherical form, look for natural inclusions or internal banding to identify real stone from synthetic imitation glass.